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    Downtown Dining Guide

    8 can't-miss downtown Houston restaurants for World Series visitors

    Eric Sandler
    Oct 26, 2017 | 12:51 pm

    Since the Super Bowl, downtown Houston has seen almost unprecedented growth in both the number and quality of its dining options. With fans around the world descending on Houston to watch the Astros slug it out with the Dodgers in the World Series, the time seemed right to catch up on both the best of this year’s new arrival as well as highlight a few old favorites.

     

    Consider the first four restaurants on this list to be downtown Houston's best new arrivals since the start of the year. The second four offer solid options for the sort of meals visitors might want to sample: Tex-Mex, barbecue, and steak. For suggestions on where to watch the game, consider this guide prepared by our new sister site SportsMap.

     

     Theodore Rex
    Food lovers are flocking to James Beard Award winner Justin Yu’s new bistro. And why not? Whereas Yu’s former restaurant Oxheart could be formal and cerebral, Theodore Rex is casual and approachable thanks to a stylish remodel.

     

    Dishes like tomato bread, buttery rice and beans, and curry-spiced pumpkin serve as reminders that Yu has a way with vegetables, but an appetizer of pastrami-spiced beef cheeks and an entree featuring Texas wagyu cater to those with more carnivorous habits. The expanded wine list offers some Old World classics (and red wine!) in addition to the funky natural vintages that are beverage director Justin Vann’s stock in trade.

     

     Reservations can be tough to book, but walk-in diners can seat at the four-seat bar or a couple of tables. As always, going early helps.
     1302 Nance Street; 832-830-8592

     

     Potente
    Admittedly, this fine dining Italian restaurant from Astros owner Jim Crane is probably too formal for dining in gameday attire, but chef Danny Trace’s Southern-influenced take on Italian cuisine deserves to be on any serious eater’s radar. Dishes like tonno crudo with foie gras and housemade cacio e pepe with black truffles deliver decadent flavors, but Trace utilizes enough local ingredients to give the menu a contemporary feel.

     

    For a pre-game bite, consider the stylish bar that serves happy hour daily from 5-7 pm. Options include small plates like meatball sliders and mini muffulettas ($3-$6), plus $9 signature cocktails and $4 domestic beers.
     1515 Texas Ave; 713-237-1515

     

     Oxbow 7
    No Houston chef displays his Astros fandom more than Bryan Caswell, which makes his new restaurant in downtown’s Le Meridien hotel must visit. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, dishes like the East Texas caviar (ghost pepper caviar with housemade potato chips and andouille sausage), Cast Net Bun Rieu (crab broth with a crab and tomato cake), and boudin-stuffed quail give visitors a taste of the Gulf Coast.

     

    For those who can’t score seats inside the stadium, Hoggbirds, the restaurant’s companion bar, has been hosting gameday watch parties. Check Facebook for details.
     1121 Walker Street; 713-487-6137

     

     Xochi
    Given its proximity to the stadium, James Beard Award winner Hugo Ortega’s Oaxacan restaurant in the Marriott Marquis would make for a perfect pregame meal. Start with wood-roasted oysters or a couple of cabrito tacos before moving on to scallops in mole verde or skirt steak with hoja santa. The restaurant’s dishes taste even better when paired with a mezcal cocktail or two.
     1777 Walker Street; 713-400-3330

     

     The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
    Houston may be known for its culinary diversity, but visitors will still want Tex-Mex. Thankfully, one of Houston’s foremost purveyors of fajitas and enchiladas still occupies its historic location in the Second Ward. Best of all, a free shuttle to Minute Maid Park makes it possible to have an extra margarita or two before heading to the game.
     2704 Navigation; 713-228-1175

     

     Pappa Charlies Barbeque
    Visitors who don’t want Tex-Mex will likely want barbecue; one of the city’s finest smoked meat options is just Highway 59 from the stadium. Pitmaster Wesley Jurena smokes his brisket “hot and fast,” with sweet and spicy pork ribs that are among the best anywhere. Made from scratch sides like mac and cheese and a solid selection of local craft beers add to the appeal.
     2012 Rusk Street; 832-940-1719

     

     Vic & Anthony’s
    Steakhouses can be pretty staid, but this restaurant’s proximity to the stadium has created some unusual encounters. Just check out this Tweet from executive chef Michael O’Connor.

     
     

    I just had to throw a lady out b/c she took a lobster out of the tank, took its rubber bands off and gave it a steak knife. #icanteven

    — Michael M. O'Connor (@solarfish30) October 22, 2017
     

    Diners who don’t get tossed for attempting to facilitate a lobster's escape will find a top notch version of a classic American steakhouse: expertly seared steaks, a classic wedge salad, and Houston’s best crab cake. Just remember that shorts aren’t allowed in the dining room.
     1510 Texas Ave; 713-228-1111

     

     Conservatory
    Houston’s first food hall offers diners the choice of barbecue, poke, pizza, and pho along with a selection of wine, craft beer, and cocktails. Menu items are affordable, and it’s open until 3 am on weekends, which ensures it will attract both pre and post-game diners.
     1010 Prairie Street; 832-919-8382

    Get classic Tex-Mex at The Original Ninfa's on Navigation.

      
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    Awards News

    Dallas hotels win big in 2025 World's Best Awards by Travel + Leisure

    Amber Heckler
    Jul 9, 2025 | 4:30 pm
    Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa​
    Photo courtesy of Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa
    Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa is the No. 2 best resort in Texas.

    Several renowned Dallas-Fort Worth hotels and resorts were just declared the best in the world by Travel + Leisure readers, according to the publication's annual World's Best Awards.

    Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa and Grapevine's Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center were honored among the top five best resorts in Texas, and six more distinguished Dallas-Fort Worth properties made the cut among T+L's list of the 15 best hotels in Texas and in the U.S.

    Every year, Travel + Leisure surveys its readers to determine the ultimate travel experiences around the world, which include the top hotels, resorts, travel destinations, and more. The 2025 survey had more than 180,000 responses from T+L readers with over 657,000 votes across 8,700 accommodations, cruise lines, and other properties.

    Omni PGA Frisco ranked as the No. 2 best resort in Texas, just one spot lower than its 2024 ranking. The resort is a relative newcomer in Dallas' rapidly expanding list of travel lodgings, as it's only been open for a little more than two years. The report said this golf-focused retreat is an impressive place to stay for visitors that have a "packed itinerary," regardless if that includes spending time on the green or not.

    "This resort has it all — golf, spa, dining options of all types and an amazing activity schedule," a T+L reader said.

    The Gaylord Texan Resort is a popular favorite among Dallas-area travelers, and it ranked as the 5th best Texas resort for 2025. In 2018, the resort debuted its $120 million Vineyard Tower, which added 303 deluxe guest rooms and 86,000 square feet of meeting space.

     Pool at Gaylord Texan resort The family-friendly pool at the Gaylord Texan has a lazy river and more than enough chaise lounges.  Photo courtesy of Gaylord Texan  

    The publication celebrated the five winners – the remaining three located in Texas' other major metros – for their lavish atmospheres that makes guests feel like they've escaped the hustle and bustle of their respective cities.

    "Our top five resorts in Texas are all scenic sanctuaries in or nearby the state’s biggest cities, offering an abundance of activities for visitors looking for relaxation and recreation," the report said.

    The full list of best Texas resorts, in order, are:

    • The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Houston
    • Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, Frisco
    • JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio
    • Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
    • Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine

    Best hotels in Dallas-Fort Worth
    The region's most opulent hotel, Hotel Drover in Fort Worth, was crowned the best hotel in the Metroplex for the second year in a row. It also earned the No. 1 title in 2022. The hotel has only been open for four years, but it has remained a clear reader favorite, as it previously booked a top-five spot in Travel + Leisure's best Dallas-Fort Worth hotel list in 2023.

    Hotel Drover succeeds at providing guests with a flawless level of service and accommodations, while its dining attractions add to the overall opulence of the property's amenities. The report goes on further to say that "no hotel attracted Dallas fans more" than this Western-themed getaway.

     Hotel Drover lobby library The lobby of the Hotel Drover contains a library and a Lucchese boot boutique.Photo courtesy of Hotel Drover

    "Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, located in Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards, pulls in plenty of charm in its design, including across its rooms that resemble luxury ranch lodging with exposed beams, dark wood headboards, and colorful textile touches," the report said. "There's also a Lucchese boot boutique in the lobby, so every guest can snag a pair to bring home as the ultimate Texas souvenir."

    A reader said they would recommend this Fort Worth hotel over any other place in Texas, and declared it "the definition of Texas" thanks to its attentive staff, thoughtful Western decor, and its classic Southern food.

    In a press release, general manager Aaron Ide said the entire Hotel Drover team was honored to receive the worldwide recognition.

    "This recognition is a reflection of our passionate team and the authentic Western experiences we strive to create," Ide said. "It’s especially meaningful to receive this honor during the 30th anniversary of the World’s Best Awards, and we are proud to represent the vibrant spirit of Fort Worth."

    Dallas' iconic Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek ranked as DFW's second-best hotel for the second consecutive year, and it was the No. 1-winner in 2023. This legendary hotel has continued prospering and growing its reputation since it was acquired by a Dallas investor firm in 2022, and has since earned a prestigious One Key status in Michelin's inaugural Texas guide in 2024.

    Though Rosewood Mansion didn't nab the top spot on T+L's list, it did claim the No. 1 spot in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 rankings of the best resorts in Texas.

     Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek terrace Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek terrace  Photo courtesy of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek  

    The full list of Dallas-Fort Worth winning hotels, in order, are:

    • Hotel Drover, Autograph Collection, Fort Worth
    • Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas
    • The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas
    • The Adolphus, Dallas
    • Omni Dallas Hotel

    Best hotels in the U.S.
    Fort Worth's esteemed Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection was one of three Texas properties to earn acclaim on T+L's separate list of the "15 Best City Hotels in the U.S." Bowie House ranked as the 14th best hotel nationwide, and a T+L reader said it "set the standard for luxury hotels in Fort Worth."

    "Another Southern favorite, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection (No. 14) was applauded for its culinary offerings, expertly curated art and decor, and 'professional' and 'friendly staff,'" the report said.

     Bowie House bar Bowie House boasts all of the Southern charm one would expect to find in a Texas hotel.Photo courtesy of Bowie House

    The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston and Hotel Emma in San Antonio were the only other two Texas hotels to earn spots on the list of the best hotels in the country.

    Other Texas awards
    San Antonio was deemed one of the best U.S. travel destinations in 2025, ranking 12th out of 15 total cities.

    In a release, Travel + Leisure editor in chief Jacqui Gifford said the 2025 World's Best Awards "reflect a travel landscape in motion."

    "From a high-desert city in the American Southwest to a quiet Greek island, our readers are seeking depth, character, and a strong sense of place," Gifford said. "We're thrilled to honor the hotels, destinations, and travel companies that are delivering those transformative experiences."

    The best hotels in Houston, in order are:

    • The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
    • Hotel ZaZa
    • Four Seasons Hotel Houston
    • JW Marriott Houston Downtown
    • Hilton Americas-Houston
    The best hotels in Austin, in order, are:
    • Commodore Perry Estate, Auberge Resorts Collection
    • Austin Proper Hotel & Residences
    • Four Seasons Hotel Austin
    • Fairmont Austin
    • Archer Hotel Austin
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